Car hits officer policing Coagh Twelfth parade - breaking his leg

Shauna Corr

The police officer injured when they were hit by a car in Coagh during yesterday’s parades marks the only injury on ‘one of the most successful Twelfths in recent years’.

It is understood the man suffered a broken leg during the incident.

Eyewitness reports suggest he was hit by a car that tried to drive around the parade, as it made its way through the village.

“He just stepped out and started to stop him, and the boy just hit him,” a source said.

It was also reported that the person driving the car - who is believed to be from the Loughshore area - got out of the car following the incident and that he is helping police with their enquiries.

Following the Twelfth, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said: “I am pleased that today’s Twelfth parades have passed off largely successfully following months of preparation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, together with many groups and partners.

“Regrettably one officer suffered injuries when he was knocked down by a vehicle in Coagh and I wish him a speedy recovery. However, this one injury is in stark contrast to the number of officers injured on the Twelfth in recent years.

“Undoubtedly, from a policing perspective this has been one of the most successful Twelfths in recent years.”

A police spokesperson said no arrests have been made in relation to the incident.